Hipster Hiking

Growing up cutting my teeth in the Remutakas, Tararuas and Orongorongos up in Wellington I was well versed in wild weather and tough terrain.

Fast forward to my move to Queenstown working as a hiking guide on the Milford, Routeburn and Greenstone tracks I was in the lap of luxury. Working back to back trips and staying in insane lodges meant I well and truly got my hiking fix each season. Always on offer were other walks with the guides on our days off or “missions” but I shied away. My excuse was that I didn’t want to walk on my days off but really there was more to it…

I got peopled out, guiding 50 clients for 5 days and living with the amazing but enthusiastic guides was challenging and I wanted that time to myself. My other reflection is what I call “hipster hiking”. Just ticking them off coz they’re there or because they look good on the gram. I developed this judgy attitude, and put myself on a pedestal for frothing the more extreme, or less beaten track.

Recently I tackled one of those hipster hikes and was blown away, awesome company, great weather, ridiculous scenery and a simple reminder of how much I love getting down to the basics of slinging a pack on and going for a walk.

There is an element of regret to turning down so many opportunities in the past, but there will be more. What better place than here, what better time than now to start changing this attitude and enjoy the things I love.